2021FallWarrior

WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association Volume XXX, No. 1 • September 2021

LEADING THE WAY FAMILIAR FACES TO LEAD COLLEGE’S FOUNDATION AND ALUMNI EFFORTS

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A Message From the President Greetings from East Central Community College. We are pleased to bring you the newest edition of The Warrior magazine. I hope you enjoy all the good news inside these pages that follow, and take particular note of the 2021 Homecoming honorees and the Homecoming schedule. It will be our first true Homecoming celebration together since October 2019, so I hope you will make plans to join us on October 14. While there is plenty of good news in this issue, there is none more important than the article be- low. Fundraising and friendraising are critical functions for the success of any institution of higher learning, and we are fortunate to have Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth as the new Executive Director of the Foundation and Maria McLeod leading our alumni affairs efforts. We are excited to have these two women in these pivotal roles at ECCC, and I hope you will join me in supporting their efforts as we close in on 100 years serving the educational needs of our five- county district and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brent Gregory ’96 President

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Familiar Faces to Lead College’s Foundation and Alumni Efforts

have a great affinity and love for this institution, and that will be very important as they raise money and friends for our college.” A native of Decatur, Holling- sworth is no stranger to the college’s Foundation and Alumni Association, having overseen both organizations as Executive Director for Foundation and Alumni Relations from 2005- 2015. A 1993 graduate of ECCC, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi and both a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in community college leadership from Mississippi State University.

Two alumna with nearly 50 years of experience working at the college have been tabbed to lead ECCC’s major gifts fundraising and alumni relations efforts. ECCC President Dr. Brent Grego- ry recently announced that Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth has assumed the upgraded position of Executive Director of the Foundation. Maria McLeod will oversee the college’s Alumni Association as part of her expanded duties in the ECCC Of- fice of Public Information. After a national search, Holling-

From left, Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth and Maria McLeod in front of the future home of The Alumni House on the ECCC campus.

sworth transferred to the posi- tion of Executive Director of the Foundation from her duties as the college’s Director of Admissions and Records.

McLeod, who is a native of Sebastopol, also received her as- sociate degree from ECCC in 1993 and her bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi College. Both Hollingsworth and McLeod are part of a team working to implement a new cloud-based fundraising, donor manage- ment, and relationship building software program at ECCC expected to be fully functional in Fall 2021. This product includes a much enhanced ecommerce function which will al- low supporters to easily make one-time and recurring gifts at varying levels and various designations. ECCC is currently renovating the original president’s home located at the corner of Broad Street and North 7th Avenue on the front of campus to serve in the future as The Alumni House, housing offices and serving as event and meeting space.

The Executive Director of the Foundation reports directly to the president of the college and coordinates daily opera- tions as well as the fundraising efforts of the East Central Community College Foundation, Inc., including annual fund campaigns, capital fund campaigns, planned giving cam- paigns, special events, and scholarships designed to secure funds for the college. McLeod, who has served as assistant to the vice president for public information for the past 24 years, will now direct the Alumni Association as part of her responsibilities. Her new title is Director of External Relations. “I’m excited about the future of our major gift fundrais- ing and alumni relations efforts under the leadership of Dr. Hollingsworth and Mrs. McLeod,” said Gregory. “They both

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In This Issue...

CAMPUS NEWS

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ECCC Institutes Additional Campus Safety Measures College Holds On-Campus Commencement Ceremonies Nine Retire from EC During 2020-21 New Student Hall of Fame Members Recognized

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Golf Classic Raises More Than $12,000 for Scholarships Homecoming Honorees Highlighted Homecoming Schedule

20 21 23 ATHLETICS

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ECCC Men’s Golf Program Reinstated Paschal Named Head Men’s Soccer Coach Melvin Wooten Honored as ‘Voice of the Warriors’

On the cover: East Central Community College recently announced new leadership for its Foundation and Alumni Association. Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth (left) is the new Executive Director of the Foundation and will oversee fundraising efforts for the college, and Maria McLeod is coordinating alumni relations as part of her duties as Director of External Relations. Read more on page 2. •

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ACCREDITATION East Central Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate Degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of East Central Community College. N ONDISCRIMINATION East Central Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or qualified disability in its educational programs and activities, employment practices, or admissions processes. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non- discrimination policies of East Central Community College: Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, ADEA, and Title IX are coordinated by Dr. Teresa Mackey, Vice President for Instruction, Walter Arno Vincent Administration Building, Room 171, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6202, Fax: 601-635-4011, tmackey@eccc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with Section 504 and ADA are coordinated by Dr. Randall Lee, Vice President for Student Services, Eddie M. Smith Student Union, Room 201, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6375, Fax: 601-635-3247, rlee@eccc.edu.

The Warrior is printed two times annually and is distributed to alumni of East Central Community College and other friends of the college. Editorial staff members include Office of Public Information personnel: Bill Wagnon, Lucas Calvert, Maria McLeod, Karen Robertson, &Amy Thompson

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College Returns to Normal Operations for Fall 2021 Semester

Masks continued to be required inside all classrooms and buildings for the fall semester. ECCC continued to provide en- hanced sanitation of classrooms and common areas, as well as increase the already abundant amount of hand san- itizing stations in all areas of campus. Those who were not been vaccinated were encouraged to do so, and the col- lege held two free vaccination clinics on campus during the fall for inter- ested students and staff.

semester. ECCC closed its campus to students and visitors at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, with classes transitioning to online and alternative delivery formats for the remainder of the spring and summer semesters. Campus was reopened in Fall 2020 with a combination of hybrid on-campus classes and online classes, limited student activities, and reduced attendance at athletics and other on- campus events. Recommended health and safety protocols were in place dur- ing all semesters.

East Central returned to normal operations beginning with the Fall 2021 Semester, including the return to a full schedule of traditional in-person classes, open facilities, enhanced stu- dent engagement opportunities, and full capacity at on-campus events. The return to normal operations also applied to the college’s centers in Philadelphia, Choctaw, Louisville, For- est, and Carthage. The move marked a return to pre-covid-19 operations for the first time since early in the spring 2020

ECCC Distributes More Than $6 Million in Federal Stimulus Funds to Students •

apply the funds to outstanding ac- count balances at the college. “For nearly 100 years, our col- lege has had the best interests of its students in mind,” said President Dr. Brent Gregory. “This is especially evident in how the college is choosing to distribute the federal funds we are receiving during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. “ECCC will continue to explore ap- propriate options for federal funding to positively impact our current and future students on their educational journey with us during these challeng- ing times.”

ECCC will have distributed HEERF funds as financial aid grants directly to students during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stimulus funds were available to all enrolled students each term, including full-time, part-time, online, and dual credit students. However, pri- ority was given to domestic students and those with demonstrated financial need based on Pell Grant awarded. Students could use the funds for their educational expenses at ECCC, for emergency costs incurred due to COVID-19, or other personal needs. Students also had the opportunity to

Over the past six academic terms, ECCC will have distributed more than $6 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds directly to its students. The funding comes from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF, stimulus packages passed by Congress as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide some relief from the economic fallout related to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021 academic terms,

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ECCC Institutes Additional Campus Safety Measures

ECCC has made several changes to control the flow of off-campus ve- hicle traffic moving through campus overnight to further enhance overall safety and security. Access gates were installed at both ends of the portion of 10th Street that runs through the center of the campus. The Town of Decatur deeded to the college 10th Street from North 5th Avenue to North 8th Avenue that runs between the academic buildings on the south campus and the athlet- ics facilities on the north campus. Access gates were also installed at the north end of Warrior Drive at the campus entrance from Highway 15 and near the ECCC Tennis Complex, and on the south end of North 7th Street between Todd Hall (men’s resi- dence facility) and Davis Hall (science facility) near one of the two campus entrances from Broad Street. The gates, which are outlined with reflective material, are closed from approximately 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly and on extended school holidays. The only entrance to campus during those times is off Broad Street at North 6th Avenue between the President’s Home and the Arno Vincent Ad- ministration Building. North 6th Avenue to 9th Street was converted from one-way to two-way traffic to accommodate this change. ECCC campus police monitor that entrance and also are available to open all other gates in an emergency situation. Gates will remain open later on nights when the college is hosting pub- lic athletics, fine arts, and other events and activities. “East Central Community College has one of the safest campuses in the state and in the nation, and these measures only make it more secure, particularly for our resident students,” said President Dr. Brent Gregory. “As the most residential college campus in Mississippi in terms of percent- age of students who reside in on-campus housing, this limits the amount of non-student vehicle traffic moving through campus during the over- night hours while still allowing easy access to students living in one of our residence halls.” Also as part of the initiative, traffic barriers were installed to close ac- cess to campus from North 8th Avenue at EC Way adjacent to The Alumni House and Todd Hall, as well as access through the Winston Hall (men’s residence facility) parking lot off North 8th Avenue. In addition, North 7th Avenue that runs alongside the back of Leake Hall (women’s residence fa- cility), Smith Student Union Building, and Winston Hall has been converted from one-way to two-way traffic. “There were seven entrances to campus from roads and highways not controlled by ECCC, and these measures will help our campus police better monitor movement on campus during the overnight hours,” said Gregory.

Gregory Selected for PTK Award

ECCC Presi- dent Dr. Brent Gregory was selected to re- ceive Phi Theta Kappa’s Para- gon Award for New Presidents during the honor society’s annual conven- tion in April. The Paragon Award is given to new college

GREGORY

presidents who have shown strong sup- port of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by students on their campus. More than 500 college presidents were eligible to receive the award. Gregory received the Paragon Award virtually along with 21 other two-year col- lege presidents during PTK Catalyst 2021, the society’s annual convention broadcast live from Orlando, Fla. Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achieve- ment of students at associate degree- granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. A native of Nanih Waiya, Gregory began his tenure as the ninth president of East Central on July 1, 2020. He is a 1996 ECCC graduate and also earned his Bach- elor’s in Physical Education and Master’s in Workforce Training and Development from the University of Southern Missis- sippi and his Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University.

ALUMNI . . .

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Mail news to: The Warrior Magazine

P.O. Box 129 • Decatur, MS 39327 Email news to: mmcleod@eccc.edu Submit news online at: www.eccc.edu/alumni-news

CAMPUS NEWS

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College Holds On-Campus Commencement Ceremonies

stream both ceremonies for the benefit of the families of our students was a top a priority in our decision to hold Commencement on campus. The tech- nology infrastructure and technology support we have on campus is more convenient and conducive to a suc- cessful live stream production for this year.” In recent years, the college has held one Commencement Ceremony each May at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia.

Students receiving a certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree from a career and technical program or a healthcare education program par- ticipated in Commencement at 10 a.m. Students receiving the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree par- ticipated in Commencement at 2 p.m. “We did not want the COVID-19 situation to prevent us from having a Commencement ceremony for the second straight May,” said President Dr. Brent Gregory. “The ability to live

East Central held two on-campus Commencement Ceremonies in Huff Auditorium on May 7. Due to COVID-19 precautions, guests were not allowed for either Commencement ceremony. Only those students who were graduating and who signed up in advance to participate in Commencement and faculty and staff who assisted with the ceremonies were allowed into Huff Auditorium. Family and friends were able to view both ceremonies through live steam.

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ECCC Recognized as a Top College for Veterans by Military Times

United States and public data obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs are used to determine the rankings.

East Central Community College was been named a 2021 “Best for Vets” col- lege by Military Times . ECCC was one of only three com- munity colleges in Mississippi to be included in the annual rankings, and one of only six two-year or four-year institutions in the state to be honored for support to veterans.

The complete listing of colleges and universities can be found online at col- leges.militarytimes.com, which includes individual webpages for each school to help veterans make decisions about career planning and how to use the education benefits they earn through military service.

Military Times has released its Best for Vets for the past 10 years. Surveys sent to colleges and universities across the

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ECCC to Focus on Financial Literacy with Reaccreditation Quality Enhancement Plan

East Central Community College is in the process of its 10th-Year Compli- ance Certification for Reaffirmation of Accreditation, with an On-Site Peer Review scheduled for September 2021 and an announcement of ECCC’s ac- creditation status expected in Decem- ber 2022. SACSCOC is the recognized re- gional accrediting body in the 11 U.S. Southern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missis- sippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees. In order to maintain accredi- tation, an institution must comply with the standards and requirements in The Principles of Accreditation: Founda- tions for Quality Enhancement and with SACSCOC policies and proce- dures. Reaffirmation of accreditation oc- curs every 10 years. ECCC is accredited by SACSCOC to award the Associate Degree. Questions about the accreditation of East Central Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www. sacscoc.org).

Following a two-year collaborative process involving the entire campus community, East Central Community College has chosen a financial literacy initiative known as Dollars and Sense as its Quality Enhancement Plan topic as it prepares for 10-Year Reaffirma- tion of Accreditation. Beginning with the Fall 2021 Se- mester, ECCC is offering practical and applicable financial-oriented content to first-time college students, concentrat- ing on options for paying for college through the completion of student educational pathways, as well as strat- egies for lifelong economic well-being. Delivered through the freshman orientation course LLS 1312 Warrior Path to Success with credits counting toward graduation, the goal of Dol- lars and Sense is to prepare students for their college journey and beyond with real-world knowledge gained in an engaging setting with personalized attention. “Over the course of two years, ECCC administrators, faculty, and staff ana- lyzed data and research, brainstormed, solicited student feedback, and par- ticipated in conversations centered around ways to advance the educa- tional experience for its students,” said ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. “This collaborative work resulted in three possible QEP topics. After care- fully considering the input and recom- mendations of college councils and

committees, student and employee survey responses, and student focus groups, Financial Literacy was chosen as ECCC’s 2022 SACSCOC Reaffirma- tion QEP topic.” The name of the QEP—Dollars and Sense—was chosen by vote of the en- tire campus community. “The QEP must reflect and affirm a commitment to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness by focusing on an issue that ECCC con- siders important to improving student learning outcomes and student suc- cess,” explained Gregory. “We believe our focus on Financial Literacy the next five years through the Dollars and Sense QEP will do just that.” The Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, is an integral component of SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) reaffirmation of accredita- tion and is derived from the college’s ongoing comprehensive planning and evaluation processes. SACSCOC requires its member institutions to develop a five-year QEP in order to be reaffirmed for accredita- tion at the institution’s 10-year review.

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BOYKIN, HUGHES GRADUATE FROM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY East Central Community College employees Regena Boykin (left) and Leslie Hughes completed the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy last spring. They received their diplomas and medals of completion from ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. Boykin serves as associate director for information technology, and Hughes is dean of learning resources. The MCCLA was developed in 2009 to address the projected need for upper-level leaders in the Mississippi community college system. The year-long program consists of workshops designed to strengthen supervisory and management skills, using participants’ current work situations to apply new skills and tools. It is also an opportunity to network and strengthen system-wide collaborative efforts.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Nine Retire from EC During 2020-21

ment Center, he also taught one year in the Career and Techni- cal Division. He received numer- including Mis- sissippi Small Business De- velopment Cen- ters Director/ Trainer of the Year, MSBDC Policy Fellow- ship Program Fellow, and Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence Board Exam- iner. Westbrook received an Associate of Arts degree from ECCC and a Bache- lor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from Mississippi State Univer- sity. Fortenberry began his em- ous awards and honors State Star, Education

Thompson

Nine full- time employ- ees retired from the college during the 2020-21 academic year, includ- ing one in De- cember and one in March. The group represented a combined 164 years total service to the college. They were honored and presented resolutions from the col- lege’s Board of Trustees during a pri- vate reception on campus. Spring 2021 retirees included Small Busi- ness Develop- ment Center Director Ronnie Westbrook, Informa- tion Systems Technology Instructor Thomas Fortenberry, Men’s Soc-

started the ECCC men’s soccer pro- gram in 1999. He took on the additional duties as head women’s soccer coach when that program coached both squads until a full-time head women’s coach was hired in 2012. Prior to his employment at East Cen- tral, he served as head soccer coach and math- ematics teacher at Newton County High School. He led started in 2005. He

LEJEUNE-FISHER

TINGLE

WESTBROOK

BROOKS

SMITH

FORTENBERRY

the Warriors to numerous

accolades including

winning the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Con- ference North Division title in

WILLIAMS

VANCE

THOMPSON

ployment at East Central in 1998, after previously serving as district technol- ogy coordinator for the Philadelphia Public School District. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as a sponsor for Phi Beta Lambda. He was selected Career-Technical Advisor of the Year, Lamplighter, Phi Beta Lambda Advisor of the Year, and received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. Fortenberry received an Associate in Arts degree from ECCC, an Associate in Arts degree from Meridian Commu- nity College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

2017 and a share of the title in 2012. Thompson received an Associate of Arts degree from ECCC, and Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Mississippi State University. LeJeune-Fisher began her employ- ment as biology instructor at the col- lege in 2002 after serving five years as a developmental chemist with Vanity Fair. She also served stints as a science instructor at Kate Griffin Junior High School and Meridian High School. She received numerous honors and awards including Lamplighter, HEADWAE Instructor of the Year, and Academic

cer Coach Kenneth Thompson, Biol- ogy Instructor Sharon LeJeune-Fisher, Philadelphia/Neshoba County Career & Technical Center Guidance Coun- selor Sharon Brooks, Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Shane Williams, and Diesel Equipment Technology In- structor Michael Tingle. Administrative Assistant for Workforce Development Emilie Smith retired in March 2021 and Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Jeannie Vance retired in December 2020. Westbrook began his career at ECCC in 1994 after previously serving in banking industry. In addition to his duties with the Small Business Develop-

–RETIREES continued on page 9

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Case Selected Humanities Teacher of the Year

as how these connections led to their stark differences.” Case is a native of Brookhaven and graduated cum laude from Millsaps College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 1999, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an emphasis on literature from the University of West Alabama. During her career, she has taught English and literature at the junior high, high school, community college, and university level. Her primary focus at ECCC, where she has taught since 2015, is composition. She currently serves as lead instructor for Develop- mental English. Her husband, David, is ECCC’s vice president for institutional research and effectiveness.

East Central Community College Eng- lish instructor Paige Case was named the college’s Humanities Teacher of the Year. As part of her recognition, she presented a lecture on “Awaken- ings: Surprising Intersections between Jonathan Edwards and Ralph Waldo Emerson” during the spring term. Case presented a comparison/ contrast of Jonathan Edwards and Ralph Waldo Emerson, key figures in early American literature. Case said, “As theologians, the two could not have been more different. In fact, one Emerson scholar writes, ‘There can be no doubt that Jonathan Edwards would have abhorred from the bottom of his soul every proposition Ralph Waldo Emerson blandly put forth in the manifesto of 1836, Nature.’ This lan-

CASE

guage is strong, but true, making the commonalities between the two quite unexpected. This presentation explores their ‘surprising intersections’ as well

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RETIREES

criminal justice field. In ad- dition to his teaching duties, he was a faculty sponsor for SkillsUSA. Williams received an Associate of Applied Sci- ence degree from Hinds Com- munity College and Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Science degrees from Mississippi College. Tingle joined the ECCC staff in 2019 after serving as transportation director with the Newton County School System. In addition to his classroom duties, he also served as a faculty advisor for SkillsUSA. He received a certificate in Diesel Mechan- ics from East Mississippi Community College. Smith began her career in 1996 after previously serving with the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. V and Mississippi Department of Human Services. She received the Associate of Applied Science degree from East Central. Vance served since 1996 as administrative assistant to the faculty. She received an Associate in Arts degree from ECCC.

Instructor of the Year. In ad- dition, she was a member of various professional organi- zations including National Science Teachers Association, Mississippi Science Teach- ers Association, American Biology Teachers Association, and Association of Southeast- ern Biologists. LeJeune-Fisher received the Associate of Arts degree from East Mississippi Community College and the Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Educa- tional Specialist degrees from Livingston University (Univer- sity of West Alabama). Brooks began her duties as guidance counselor in 2002. Prior to that she served in similar positions with the Walnut Grove Youth Cor- rectional Facility and Leake Academy. Brooks received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University. Williams began his career at East Central in 2018 after serving in various roles in the – Continued from page 8

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STUDENTS SELECT ADKINS, GILL AS MR. AND MISS ECCC Alex Adkins and Courtney Gill were selected Mr. and Miss East Central Community College for the 2020-21 school year by vote of the student body. Both students graduated in May. Adkins, a graduate of Union High School, was a secondary education major. At East Central he was an honor roll student, manager for the men’s basketball team, and served as student assistant athletic director. A graduate of Leake Academy and a civil and environmental engineering major, Gill was president of the Student Body Association, 2020 Homecoming Queen, and member of Warrior Corps, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Phi Beta Lambda business education organization, and the women’s tennis team.

CAMPUS NEWS

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS Yes! I want to stay connected to East Central Community College by becoming an active member of the ECCC Alumni Association . Annual membership runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year. Check a box below to join the Alumni Association or to make an undesignated contribution. Single Membership: $25 Annual $200 Life Joint Membership: $40 Annual $250 Life I’m already an Individual or Lifetime Member, but would like to make an undesignated donation in the amount of $____________ to the Alumni Association. FOUNDATION GIVING Complete below to donate to a Foundation Project, Scholarship, Warrior Club, or to make an undesignated contribution. $_________________(Amount) __________________________________Designated Fund (Please choose one.) ___Undesignated q q q q q What if ECCC had never existed? When I was a shy and nervous freshman back in 1991, ECCC welcomed me and gave me the footing I needed to grow and learn and mature as a young adult. When I came back to work here in 1997, it was a dream come true to return to a place I loved so much. I give back so that others will continue to have the great experiences that I have had as both student and employee. Here are a few other examples of how your money helps. Through the Oliphant-Martin Faculty Excellence Endowment, the Foundation provides monetary awards to outstanding faculty and staff members, and the Oliphant-Martin Faculty Excellence Grant also awards up to $20,000 each year to selected academic, healthcare and career & technical programs that apply for and qualify for the funds in order to meet special classroom needs that aren’t attainable through regular annual budgets. Our athletic teams also rely heavily on the additional support received through The Warrior Club, a division of the Foundation, to supplement program and travel needs for student-athletes in both the regular and postseason. The Alumni Association also supports our students by providing free giveaways and sponsoring activities throughout the year. Additionally, numerous students are able to afford college each year because of the generosity of those who have donated to our Endowed and Annual Scholarship funds. If you have a particular area that is most important to you, you may designate your funds to specific accounts, or by donating to Unrestricted Funds, we are able to help many different areas as soon as a need arises. Whatever your story, whatever path led you to East Central Community College, I encourage you to give back. Even if it’s just a small amount each month or a one-time donation, it makes a difference. Thank you all so much! East Central Community Col- lege May gr duates Brian Pace and Courtney Gill were named to the 2021 Phi Theta Kappa All- Mississippi Community College Academic Team. The All-Mississippi Community College Academic Team recog- nizes scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in the state’s two-year colleges. Pace was named to th First Team and Gill was a Second Team hon ree. A graduate of Neshoba Central Fame for 2020-21. A graduate of Leake Acad- emy and an engineering major, Gill served as president of the Student Body Association, was 2020 Homecoming Queen, and member of Warrior Corps, Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Beta Lambda, President’s Council, women’s tennis team, and Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Both honorees received medal- lions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Senate and House of Representa- tives. Pace, Gill Named to PTK All-Mississippi Academic Team PACE High School and a business-marketing major, Pace served as president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and was a member of Phi Beta Lambda business education organiza- tion, President’s Council, Warrior Corps, and Men of Dignity. He was one of six inductees into the ECCC Student Hall of The All-Mississippi Academic Team program is coordi- nated by Phi Theta Kappa, Mississippi Association of Com- munity Colleges, and Mississippi Community College Board. PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges.

GILL

Foundation Projects Annual Fund Unrestricted

Warrior Club-Athletics Undesignated Baseball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Football Golf Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Softball Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis

Football Operations Center (Warrior Hall) Oliphant-Martin Faculty Excellence Fund Other: Please designate desired fund you wish to con- tribute to: Scholarships Please designate desired fund you wish to contribute to:

Name: ________________________________________________________ (Maiden): ____________________________ Class Year/Years Attended: _______________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________ To pay by credit or debit card, join online at www.eccc.edu/estore and click on Alumni Contributions for membership giving or Annual Fund for undesignated giving, or mail the above form with payment to ECCC Alumni Association, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327. Make checks payable to ECCC Alumni Association for Alumni dues or to the ECCC Foundation for Foundation giving.

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Miller Recognized by Phi Theta Kappa East Central Community College Dean of Students James Miller (right) was recog- nized by Phi Theta Kappa, the internation- al honor society of two-year colleges, for his five years of service as an advisor to the college’s Theta Xi Chapter. ECCC Presi- dent Dr. Brent Gregory presented Miller’s service pin on behalf of the organization. White Recognized as William Winter Scholar

NEW STUDENT HALL OF FAME MEMBERS RECOGNIZED

Six students were inducted into the East Central Community College 2021 Student Hall of Fame during Awards Day in April, the highest honor a student can receive at the college. They included (from left) Connor Boggan, a business administration major from Hickory and Newton County High School; Sarah Burns, a psychology major from Carthage and Leake Central High School; Malina Mangrum, a speech pathology major from Philadelphia and Leake Academy; Nina Miles, an engineering major from Sebastopol and Sebastopol Attendance Center; Brian Pace, a business- marketing major from Collinsville and Neshoba Central High School, and Ansley Rigby, a pre-dental major from Union and Union High School. Their photos hang in the Hall of Fame Collection in the lobby of Huff Auditorium.

East Central

Community College so- cial science instructor Dr. Brian White was honored as the

college’s 2021 William Winter Scholar and recognized dur- ing the 32nd annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebra- tion, which was held virtually.

WHITE

The event is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the National En- dowment for the Humanities. White, who joined the college in 2016, holds an Asso- ciate of Art degree from Meridian Commu- nity College and Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Mississippi State University Meridian.

LA-Z-BOY SOUTH SUPPORTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AT ECCC La-Z-Boy South in Newton again sponsored two student scholarships at ECCC for the 2021-22 academic year. General Manager Danny Simoneau (’85) (left) presented a $2,000 check to East Central Community College President Dr. Brent Gregory. The company established the La-Z-Boy Scholarship at ECCC in 1995 that annually awards $1,000, or $500 per semester, to an entering freshman student and another $1,000 to a sophomore student.

CAMPUS NEWS

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The Delta Directional team won the Championship Flight during the 18th Annual East Central Community College Warrior Golf Classic held in May at the Danc- ing Rabbit Golf Club, located on the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw. Sponsored by the ECCC Alumni Association, the four- person scramble raised more than $12,000 for student scholarships, according to event coordinator Maria McLeod, director of external relations at ECCC. “After a two-year hiatus due to inclement weather and COVID-19,” said McLeod, “we were very excited to return to the Dancing Rabbit with a sold-out field of teams for the 2021 tournament. Thanks to the generosity of our players and sponsors, we were able to once again raise more than $12,000 for our student scholarship fund, which each year provides two full tuition scholarships to deserving ECCC students. This year’s tournament was a great success and we are already planning next year’s event.” The team representing Delta Directional of Newton post- ed a 17-under par 55 over the 18-hole event for the win. Team members included Terry Sessums, Neil Pettigrew, Brian Burns and Joel Nelson. Winning the First Flight was the team from Bank of For- est with a 12-under par score of 60. Team members were Drew Kenna, Steve Gibson, Brady Power, and Randy Dilley. The team representing The Citizens Bank of Philadel- phia took top honors in the Second Flight with an eight- under par 64. Members were Bruce Lee, Adam Rosenbaum, Grant Rosenbaum, and Zack Taylor. Grant Rosenbaum also won a door prize that included a golf package for four at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. Bill Guion of the Canizaro Cawthon Davis team was the winner of the La-Z-Boy recliner door prize donated by La-Z- Boy South of Newton. On-course contest winners were Keith Sandridge who played on the Aladdin team, longest drive, reverse hand, on hole No. 2; Ken Stringer of the Educational Furniture and Equipment Co. team, closest to the pin on hole No. 4; Bobby Humphrey of American Benefits Brokerage, closest to the pin on hole No. 16; and Justin Webb of B&G Equip- ment, longest drive on hole No. 18. Several other golfers won door prizes consisting of vari- ous golf equipment. Golf Classic Raises More Than $12,000 for Student Scholarships

Members of the Delta Directional team posted a 17-under par 55 to win the Championship Flight. Team members included (from left) Terry Sessums, Neil Pettigrew, Brian Burns, and Joel Nelson.

Winning the First Flight was the team from Bank of Forest with a 12-under par score of 60. Team members were (from left) Drew Kenna, Steve Gibson, Brady Power, and Randy Dilley.

The team representing The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia took top honors in the Second Flight with an eight-under par 64. Members were (from left) Bruce Lee, Adam Rosenbaum, Grant Rosenbaum, and Zack Taylor. Grant Rosenbaum was also the winner of a door prize donated by the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club that included a golf package for four.

On-course contest winners were (from left) Keith Sandridge who played on the Aladdin team, longest drive, reverse hand, on hole No. 2; Justin Webb of B&G Equipment, longest drive on hole No. 18; Bobby Humphrey of American Benefits Brokerage, closest to the pin on hole No. 16; and Ken Stringer of the Educational Furniture and Equipment Co. team, closest to the pin on hole No. 4.

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Alumna Mihalic Publishes Debut Novel

And Dark Horses is far more than a “horse girl” book, Mihalic adds. “Incest is still a taboo subject,” she says. “People don’t want to think about it. Consequently, it’s staggeringly un- derreported, with those who have been abused often protecting their abusers. Children, including grown children, are often forced to deal with the conse- quences themselves. I would love to see Dark Horses open up the conversation about incest.” According to a 2013 article in The Atlantic , she says, more children experience incest than other forms of sexual abuse. In the U.S., one-quarter to one-third of girls (and one-fifth to one- seventh of boys) are sexually abused by a family member. Even so, Mihalic says, Roan doesn’t want to be viewed as either a victim or a survivor. “To her,” she says, “‘victim’ connotes weakness, and she believes there’s more to life than merely surviving. Whether she’s under her father’s thumb or free of him, she never gives up on her goals.” A 1978 graduate of Union High School, Mihalic has fond memories of her instructors and her experiences at East Central, where she was active in theatre, choir, and the Tom-Tom student newspaper. Among her favorite instructors were English and literature instructor Ovid Vickers, speech and theatre teacher Bruce Peterson, music teacher Bob Heritage, history instruc- tors Richard Ethridge and Tommy Thrash, and librarian Ann Burkes. “Bruce Peterson and I are still in touch on Facebook via his wife, Peggy, who was my fifth-grade math teacher,” she says. She is also in contact with Heritage and Burkes, and she main- tained an occasional correspondence

Susan Mihalic (’80) recently an- nounced the publication of her debut novel, Dark Horses , by Scout Press, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Dark Horses has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus . It has been included in must-read roundups by O Magazine, Country Living, Parade Magazine, Goop , the Bustle , and other print and digital publications. Described by author Sara Gruen (Wa- ter for Elephants) as a “pulse-pounding, unflinching tale of one teenage girl’s iron-willed determination,” Dark Horses is the story of 15-year-old equestrian prodigy Roan Montgomery, whose life is ruled by her father, who demands strict obedience in all areas of her life. The warped power dynamic of coach and rider extends far beyond the stables, and Roan’s relationship with her father has long been inappropriate. For much of her life, she has been able to compartmentalize that dark aspect of her life, ruthlessly focusing on her ambitions as a rider heading for the Olympics, just as her father had done. However, her developing relationship with Will Howard, a boy her own age, broadens the scope of her vision. At the intersection of a commer- cial page-turner and urgent survivor story, Dark Horses explores the searing theme of abuse and compelling female strength. “As we know,” Mihalic says, “young athletes are often prey for coaches, trainers, team doctors, and the like. Making Roan’s abuser her father upped the stakes. While I’ve never competed in three-day eventing, I do ride and share Roan’s love of horses, so setting the story in the world of competitive equestrian sports was a natural fit for me.”

with Vickers until his death. Mihalic holds a Bachelor of Arts de- gree in Journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. The summer after she graduated from college, she was hired by Harcourt Brace Jovanov- ich, where she was rapidly promoted from secretary to editorial assistant to associate editor, acquiring and editing books. In her journey to publishing Dark Horses , Mihalic worked with Emma Sweeney of Emma Sweeney Agency, Margaret Sutherland Brown of Folio Lit- erary Management, and Alison Callahan of Scout Press. The original hardcover edition of Dark Horses was published in February 2021. The paperback edition will be published in September. The book is also available in large print and audio- book editions. Mihalic is currently working on her next novel, which is set in a cult in re- mote Northern New Mexico. When she’s not writing, she can be found riding her horse on the mountain trails in and around Taos, N.M., where she has made her home since 1995. – Submitted article

WANTED! Alumni Band Members If you are a former member of the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band and want to be a

part of the Alumni Band at the Homecoming Football Game on Thursday, October 14, contact Band Director Zach Langley at zlangley@eccc.edu for more details!

ALUMNI NEWS

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Alumnus of the Year Recognition a Dream Come True For Everett

said his father always wanted his chil- dren to receive an education and that all four of his siblings also attended East Central. “My mother and father directed me as to how I should put forth great effort to achieve my educational and career goals,” Everett said. Like many students during the time, Everett also worked on campus while he attended classes. “I attended East Central on a work scholarship and was employed by Mrs. Louella Gordon in the cafeteria on campus. She taught me how to deal with people in both good and bad situ- ations. I learned how to work with and manage people.” When asked about other special professors at the college, Everett men- tioned Dr. Richard Ethridge, Mr. Ovid Vickers and Mr. L.B. Simmons, who he said provided the encour- agement he needed to achieve his degree from ECCC as well as ad- ditional degrees and life success. “I remember the great profes- sors at East Central and their desire to see that I learned not only through class instruction by also emphasizing scholarship and recognizing those who achieved excellence. They taught us the material, but they also taught us to be good citizens.” Everett has not only served his employers and community well, but he has given back to East Central in many ways, included his service on the ECCC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2003 to 2016, which included a term as president in 2011. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Class of 1964 Scholarship and also attended and supported the Warrior Golf Classic for many years. “Although she didn’t attend ECCC, Rita was the love of my life, and thought that it was important that we support the colleges where we began our education, me at East Central and she at Delta State. She was always supportive of my education and career moves, and especially my work on the

Jerald Everett of Clinton, a member of the East Central Community College class of 1964, will be honored as 2021 Alumnus of the Year. He said of his honor, “Being named ECCC Alumnus of the Year means more to me than all the other awards I have received through the years. As my late wife, Rita, once told me, ‘ECCC is where your career started.’ The excellent instruc- tion prepared me for the advanced col- lege courses and provided an excellent bridge between high school and senior college. This has truly been a dream come true for me.” Everett is a native of Hickory and re- tired in 2021 after serving as a human resources consultant with the Social Security Administration since 2003. He served as a vocational expert to pro- vide impartial expert opinion evidence at the hearing level of the Social Security disability claims process. He previously served from 1997 to 2002 as director of hu- man resources and training for Homecare, Inc., in Vicksburg, where he was responsible for the planning, directing, staffing, and training activities for over 400 company employees in a three- state territory. man Services, where he directed the activities of 4,000 agency employees. He served from 1966 to 1985 as a vocational examiner for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services- Disability Determination. Everett, who holds two advanced degrees, was the first student to com- plete the requirements for a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Georgia State University in 1977. Ad- ditionally, he received the Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Counseling from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Missis- sippi State University in 1966. “Being selected personnel director for MDHS was a great achievement for From 1985 to 1997 he was director of personnel for the Mississippi Department of Hu-

me,” he said. “Being elected to National Who’s Who in Government Service was also a huge accomplishment.” Other career highlights for Everett include recognition for service as di- rector of the Mississippi Credit Union System, service as a board member for the Educational Employees Federal Credit Union, appreciation for service as director of the Mississippi Depart- ment of Human Services Federal Credit Union, outstanding services to South- east Association of Disability Examin- ers, and service award for 15 years to the disabled people through the Disability Determination Service. Raised on a farm in the Berry com- munity outside of Hickory by parents Robert and Esther Everett, Jerald said he was always encouraged to achieve his educational and career goals. He “ ” Being named ECCC Alumnus of the Year means more to me than all the other awards I have received through the years...This has truly been a dream come true for me.

–EVERETT continued on page 18

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Waggoner Shocked and Honored to Be Selected Alumna of the Year

the marching band and the bass drum in the pep rallies.” Waggoner would go on to study at Millsaps College in Jackson, which she said was an easy transition after her experiences at East Central. She was a member of the Millsaps Troubadours and later sang with the Lee Scott Sing- ers while living in Birmingham, Ala. She began her professional life as a correspondent bank officer, then cus- tomer service manager for a data pro- cessing company. That was followed by her service as a permanent placement specialist in the employment industry, and then as salesperson with Xerox Corporation, both in Birmingham. She then spent 18 years as missions office administrator at Briarwood Presbyte- rian Church in Birmingham. “That investment at Briarwood was my heartbeat, and included coordina-

Paula Simmons Waggoner, a member of the East Central Community Col- lege class of 1971, was recently named Alumna of the Year at ECCC. She said she was shocked and absolutely hon- ored to be selected. “I will always treasure this honor. As a Winston County girl whose dad and aunts and uncles went to ECCC, I don’t remember that another choice to begin college was even on the table. There was a deep love and respect for ECCC that I inherited, appreciated, and shared.” Jerry Nance, a Winston County na- tive and member of the ECCC Board of Trustees nominated Waggoner for the award and speaks very highly of her character and accomplishments. “Paula Simmons Waggoner is not known for wealth or fame, but that’s ok with her for she never sought great

tion of annual conferences with hundreds of overseas staff. Hearing their rich, almost unbelievable stories of God’s direction and life- changing power all over the world changed my life. A logical but still unexpected transition led to an overseas missions venture for 14 years after which marriage in 2012 brought me back to Mississippi,” she said. When asked about her career highlights, she said, “Being involved in an over-

wealth or fame. What she did do, was to choose the road less traveled. After leaving EC, Mill- saps and Mississippi State, she followed the Lord’s call and spread His story and His love by serving in Japan, South Af- rica, and most recently in the Middle East. She is a woman of faith, courage, compassion, and conviction. Paula is and always will be not only an am- bassador for God, but also an ambassador for EC.” Waggoner said as a child, she, her mother, and brothers

under ECCC instructor Marian Thorn- ton, a great influence on her life. “Mrs. Marian Thornton taught piano for many years and encouraged and influenced countless students,” Wag- goner said. “She gently instructed and wisely counseled me through some of the choices of those years. She helped keep me grounded. I wanted to be like her.” During this time, there were no piano scholarships so Waggoner quali- fied for a music scholarship by partici- pating in the band. She said of the experience, “Saxo- phone and I were brand new friends and never really got along well; how- ever, I did get to play the cymbals in “ ” As a Winston County girl whose dad and aunts and uncles went to ECCC, I don’t remember that another choice to begin college was even on the table. There was a deep love and respect for ECCC that I inherited, appreciated, and shared.

seas ministry has been an unexpected privilege. A verse from Habakkuk was a recurrent theme during those years. ‘Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.’” Waggoner said connecting with peo- ple in a culture so very different from her own was a stretching and reward- ing experience unlike any other. “Coming from our culture of right versus wrong and entering a vastly dif- ferent culture of honor versus shame

heard story after story from her father, Paul Simmons, about his escapades as a student at East Central. “He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of college life, and was counseled by Mr. Frank Cross that it was time to choose between pre-med and extracur- ricular activities. Mr. ECJC chose extra- curricular activities and agriculture and never regretted it.” Waggoner herself was a top student at the college and at the conclusion of her sophomore year was selected for the ECCC Student Hall of Fame, the highest honor a student can receive. She not only excelled academically, but was a piano student who studied

–WAGGONER continued on page 18

ALUMNI NEWS

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